McMinnville resident and Putnam County native Ovella Smith, 97, was born May 22, 1919 and died May 30 at NHC Healthcare in McMinnville following an extended illness.
A homemaker and member of East End Church of Christ, she was the daughter of the late Levi Perkins and Mary Allison Jones Dunn. She was married July 17, 1936 to Elbert Harvey Smith, who preceded her in death March 27, 1979. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by son Joe H. Smith; seven brothers Monroe, Leo, Lando, Lonzo, Enlo, Casto and Rasco Dunn; and four sisters Minnie Nash, Maggie Dunn, Monie Dunn and Maude Dunn.
She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Jackie Myers of Rock Island; grandson, Mark Smith and wife Tonjua of Smyrna; granddaughter Lorie Worley of Cookeville; two great-grandchildren, Jacob and Sarah Smith; and two great-great-grandchildren.
A graveside service and interment will be held at noon Friday, June 3 in Elrod Cemetery in Sparta with Ralph Dunn and Dorris Hughes officiating. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday at High’s. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Caring Hearts of McMinnville, East End Church of Christ Bible Call, The American Cancer Society or Meals on Wheels.
High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.